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Whoops, that was me... Posted by Justin VanAbrahams [Email]  (#32) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Justin VanAbrahams) on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:05:46
In Reply to: MINI Cooper S ... anyone ?, STICKMAN, Thu, 13 Oct 2011 06:36:14 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
I don't own one, but I've got a couple friends with 1st gen S models. They're both supercharged, not the ~'07+ turbocharged ones. From what I have read they largely drive the same, but no firsthand experience. That said...
* I'm OK going small as our other car is a wagon anyway
MINIs are small, for sure. Not Smart or Fiat 500 small, but otherwise the smallest cars on the [US] roads. One thing that surprises people is that despite being small they are not light... folks associate small with light, but that isn't the case. A MINI weighs 50-100lbs more than a MkVII ('99-'06) Toyota Celica, and 150-200lbs less than a 1st gen Focus. That isn't all that light - you give up a lot of space without giving up much weight. Of course, a MINI is a near-luxury car and is built as such. That extra detail costs weight.
* I'm attracted by combination of sporty handling, adequate ZIP, 30+ mpg
I've not driven a turbo, but from what I have read they are almost indistinguishable from the earlier supercharged cars. They are indeed fun to drive - not tail-out Mustang fun to drive, but definitely reassuring and good times especially in city traffic. The supercharged Ss don't feel very fast to me. Getting on the freeway feels fine, but there isn't much after that. Nowhere near the same passing power as a Saab. As you said, adequate zip. The turbo cars are rated for higher fuel economy than the supercharged cars - but I can say is that the supercharged cars were optimistically classified. I'm sure under ideal circumstances 22/31 was achievable, but I don't know anyone getting it. I think part of the issue is that the car wants to driven hard, and you won't see EPA ratings driving it like you want to drive it. That is generally the curse of small engines - you work them harder and they become less efficient.
* Is the ride too choppy or harsh? (Mind you, I'm used to a Viggen.)
I like the ride. It's not cushy, but it won't wreck your fillings. IMHO, it's a nicer ride than either stock Viggen I've driven.
* What sort of real world mpg to they get?
My friend Leanne averages 26mpg. Dunno how that applies to a turbo car. According to the EPA, you should do better in one.
* How's the acceleration compare?
To a Viggen? Not even on the same level. Consider the turbo MINI makes 70% the horsepower of a Viggen at 80% of the weight. Torque looks even worse.
* How's the build quality and reliability?
Build quality is very good. Not BMW/Audi good, but very good. Remember you've got a tiny car that weighs a lot. Materials are solid throughout. Reliability is okay, with a few really sketchy systems. Research the electric power steering pump.
* I'll welcome any other insights. Thanks all!
Hard to hate on the MINI, but it's not my cup of tea. If you want a small, agile car that isn't embarrassing you don't have a lot of options. But as much as I want a MINI, I'm not sure it brings much to the table that I really need. Maybe if parking was a serious hassle it'd be higher on the list, but its actual performance in all aspects is pretty average. With, say, $22k on the table I'd probably make the same decision again and buy a Solstice GXP and put $5k back in my pocket. Backup plan would be reach a little further and take home an ~'06 Elise. Or quite possibly a new Fiesta or Focus. Either in ST trim is much more appealing - to me - than a MINI.
posted by 12.195.130...
, Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:05:46 <-- Viewing This Message, Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:04:50
, Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:08:21
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